Integral bumper and skid plate

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to an integrally formed skid plate and bumper for a motorized vehicle. The integrally formed skid plate and bumper member is particularly useful for a snowmobile. One embodiment of the invention includes a bumper and a skid plate that are integrally formed as a single member and capable of being secured to a vehicle frame. The skid plate may include hollow rib members that extend longitudinally along a downward facing side of the skid plate. The skid plate also may include a roll-up feature at a rear portion of the skid plate that curves upward to mate with a lower portion of the vehicle frame. As applied to snowmobiles, the integrally formed skid plate and bumper may define a nose cone between the bumper and the skid plate.

1. An unitary bumper and skid plate member for a land based vehicle, comprising:
 a bumper; and  
 a skid plate;  
 whereby the bumper and the skid plate are integrally formed as one unitary piece capable of being secured to a frame of the vehicle.  
 
     
     
       2. The member of  claim 1  further comprising protective ribs formed on an exterior surface of the member. 
     
     
       3. The member of  claim 2  wherein the ribs are hollow. 
     
     
       4. The member of  claim 2  wherein at least one of the ribs extends from the bumper to the skid plate. 
     
     
       5. The member of  claim 1  wherein the skid plate has a base member and a rear portion, the rear portion comprising a roll-up portion that is curved relative to the base member and extends transverse to a length of the skid plate substantially centered about a longitudinal centerline of the skid plate. 
     
     
       6. The member of  claim 5  wherein the roll-up portion curves up to meet a lower portion of the vehicle frame. 
     
     
       7. The member of  claim 1  wherein the member is injection molded as one piece and comprises high-density polypropylene. 
     
     
       8. The member of  claim 1  wherein the member comprises attachments for securing and pivoting a hood to the vehicle. 
     
     
       9. The member of  claim 8 , wherein the attachments are secured to the bumper. 
     
     
       10. The member of  claim 2  wherein the ribs are hollow and comprise cross supports formed in the ribs. 
     
     
       11. The member of  claim 1  wherein the bumper is a front bumper of the vehicle. 
     
     
       12. The member of  claim 11  further comprising a nose cone interposed between the front bumper and the skid plate, wherein the nose cone is integrally formed with the skid plate and the front bumper to form a single unitary member. 
     
     
       13. The member of  claim 1  wherein the skid plate comprises a front end and a rear end, and wherein the bumper comprises a front bumper integrally formed at the skid plate front end and a rear roll-up portion integrally formed at the skid plate rear end, the bumper and skid plate forming a single unitary member. 
     
     
       14. A snowmobile, comprising:
 a frame; and  
 an unitary bumper and skid plate member mounted to a bottom portion of the frame, the integral bumper and skid plate member including a bumper and a skid plate integrally formed as one unitary piece.  
 
     
     
       15. An unitary bumper and skid plate member for a land based vehicle, comprising:
 a bumper defining a front edge of the vehicle; and  
 a skid plate;  
 whereby the bumper and the skid plate are integrally formed as one unitary piece capable of being secured to a frame of the vehicle.